5. 1 THE CONTEXT OF
Kenya Vision 2030 is the country’s new development
blueprint covering the period 2008 to 2030. It aims
to transform Kenya into a newly industrialising,
The Kenya Vision 2030 is to be implemented in
successive five-year Medium-Term Plans, with the
first such plan covering the period 2008 – 2012. For
“middle-income country providing a high quality life that reason, the reader will find frequent references to
to all its citizens by the year 2030”. The Vision has projects and programmes scheduled for implementa-
been developed through an all-inclusive and partic- tion between 2008 and 2012. While the “flagship”
ipatory stakeholder consultative process, involving projects are expected to take the lead in generating
Kenyans from all parts of the country. It has also rapid and widely-shared growth, they are by no
benefited from suggestions by some of the leading means the only projects the country will be imple-
local and international experts on how the newly menting. A flagship project only sets the pace for
industrialising countries around the world have multiple vessels behind it. By the same token there
made the leap from poverty to widely-shared pros- are many on-going projects and yet others planned for
perity and equity. The Vision is based on three the future by the Government and the private sector.
“pillars”: the economic, the social and the political. All of these deserve attention and support. The full
The adoption of the Vision by Kenya comes after the details will be found in the Kenya Medium-Term Plan
successful implementation of the Economic for 2008-2012. At an appropriate stage, another five-
Recovery Strategy for Wealth and Employment year plan will be produced covering the period 2012
Creation (ERS) which has seen the country’s econ- to 2017, and so on till 2030.
omy back on the path to rapid growth since 2002,
when GDP grew from a low of 0.6% and rising grad- As the country makes progress to middle-income
ually to 6.1% in 2006. The relationships between status through these development plans, it is
the pillars can be seen in Table 1, which was recom- expected to have met its Millennium Development
mended to the Government by Kenya’s National Goals (MDGs) whose deadline is 2015. The MDGs are
Economic Council in January, 2006, and subse- eight internationally-agreed goals for socio-economic
quently adopted by the Cabinet. development that emphasise the following: elimina-
tion of extreme poverty and hunger; universal
The economic pillar aims to improve the prosperity of primary education; gender equality; reduction in child
all Kenyans through an economic development mortality; improvement in maternal health; lower
programme, covering all the regions of Kenya, and HIV/AIDS and major disease incidence; environmental
aiming to achieve an average Gross Domestic sustainability; and better partnerships with interna-
Product (GDP) growth rate of 10% per annum begin- tional development partners. Some of the goals have
ning in 2012. The social pillar seeks to build a just already been met. The Vision 2030 spells out action
and cohesive society with social equity in a clean and that will be taken to achieve the rest.
secure environment. The political pillar aims to
realise a democratic political system founded on
issue-based politics that respects the rule of law, and
protects the rights and freedoms of every individual
in Kenyan society.
1 A GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE AND PROSPEROUS KENYA
6. Table 1: Thematic Overview of Kenya Vision 2030
Overarching vision
A globally competitive and
Vision prosperous nation with a high
quality of life by 2030
Strategy Economic Social Political
To maintain a A just and cohesive An issue-based,
sustained society enjoying people-centered,
economic growth of equitable social result-oriented, and
Plans and 10% p.a. over the development in a accountable
next 25 years clean and secure democratic political
implementation
environment
Source: Vision 2030 Research teams
VISION 2030 2
7. 2 HOW THE VISION WAS DEVELOPED
After a disappointing performance in the 1990s,
Kenya’s economy has now resumed the path to
rapid growth, having achieved a GDP annual growth
provincial forums, during which wananchi made
direct contributions to the development of the
Vision, were also included. Further, the team held
rate of 6.1% in 2006 compared to 0.6% in 2002. It out-of-country consultations with Kenyans overseas
is now necessary to build on that momentum in who have shown great interest in helping Kenya
order to sustain economic growth, to ensure that its develop into a rapidly-industrialising nation.
benefits are widely distributed to the population and
that the resulting development will be sustainable. The experts used the input from the above stake-
At the same time, Kenyans must now look forward holders and their own economic analysis to identify
to a better future for all. sectors with the most promising potential in driving
Kenya’s economic growth up to 2030. The approach
The Vision 2030 development process was involved an assessment of two critical components:
launched by H.E. President Mwai Kibaki on 30th (i) the potential of the different sectors to make a
October, 2006. At the time, he advised the team wide economic impact; and (ii) the feasibility of
preparing the Vision document to also produce a unlocking that potential for the benefits of economic
medium-term plan with full details on the develop- growth, employment and poverty – reduction. The
ment programmes that would be implemented in team also looked at social and political reforms
the first five years after ERS expires on 31st necessary to ensure that these economic goals
December, 2007. He also advocated a consultative could be realised and sustained.
approach in its development involving as many
ordinary Kenyans and stakeholders as possible. The overall assessment of the potential for
Consequently, this was done through workshops economic impact was informed by the sectors’
with stakeholders from all levels of the public current size and their future growth prospects.
service, the private sector, civil society, the media Other factors were also considered, particularly the
and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). In potential to increase Kenya’s global competitive-
rural areas, provincial consultative forums were ness, to promote growth based on efficiency, and to
also held throughout the country. The objective of attract more investment locally and internationally.
all the consultations was to provide an in-depth This analysis was based on a sound understanding
understanding of the country’s development prob- of the impact each sector would make on the econ-
lems and the necessary strategies to achieve the omy and other additional factors necessary to
2030 goals. increase the level of resources available nationally.
To synthesise the findings, a core team comprising A similar process and methodology was followed in
experienced technical officers drawn from the identifying projects and priorities in the social and
government, Kenyan research institutions, interna- political pillars. Detailed analysis was carried out
tional consultants, and the private sector under the under a consultative process in order to come up
guidance of a National Vision Steering Committee with strategies capable of resolving the social and
visited various firms, investors, farmers, and formal political problems that Kenyans face today. To arrive
and informal business people in all the major at workable solutions, the team of experts learnt as
sectors of our country. Information from the nine much as they could from countries that have
3 A GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE AND PROSPEROUS KENYA
8. achieved rapid growth and also improved the
lives of their people greatly in a span of 20-30
years, with particular reference to the South
East Asian “newly industrialising countries”.
The standards achieved by those countries are
ones Kenya should aim for, bearing in mind her
own history and culture. The team made exten-
sive use of information available from the
Government, Kenya’s private sector, civil soci-
ety and universities.
This document provides a summary of the
foundations on which Vision 2030 is erected,
before going into other sections on which it is
based, i.e., the economic, social and political
pillars. Some of the foundations will require the
strengthening of on-going institutional and
governance reforms that will help raise effi-
ciency in our productive and social sectors.
Others relate to the provision and expansion of
physical infrastructure.
An architectural model of the Jomo
Kenyatta International Airport:
an improved and expanded airport
infrastructure is critical to the realisation
of Vision 2030. Inset: One of Kenya
Airways’ modern aircraft.
VISION 2030
9.
10. 3 FOUNDATIONS FOR
The economic, social and political pillars of Kenya Vision 2030 are anchored on macroeconomic stability;
continuity in governance reforms; enhanced equity and wealth creation opportunities for the poor;
infrastructure; energy; science, technology and innovation (STI); land reform; human resources
development; security as well as public sector reforms.
3.1 Macroeconomic Stability for better investigation and prosecution; eliminating discre-
Long-Term Development tionary decision-making in a public service that is prone
to bribery; public education and judicial and legal
Kenyans appreciate the pivotal role macroeconomic reform. The Government also recognises that in an
stability has played in the country’s economic open, democratic society like Kenya, the people them-
recovery and resumption of rapid growth by the selves, Parliament, civil society, and a vigilant press are
Kenya economy since 2003. This is evident in the the ultimate defence against abuse of office. These
low levels of underlying inflation, limited public institutions will continue to receive full support from the
sector deficits, a stable exchange rate, and low Government and from the people of Kenya.
interest rates over that period. For this reason,
Kenya Vision 2030 places the highest premium on 3.3 Enhanced Equity and Wealth
the stable macroeconomic environment the country Creation Opportunities for
now enjoys, and expects it to continue in the future the Poor
as a matter of policy. This is the only way in which
confidence among investors and ordinary Kenyans No society can gain the social cohesion predicted by
can be maintained. A stable economic environment Vision 2030 if significant sections of the population live
also works in favour of the poor who stand to lose in abject poverty. To that extent, Kenya Vision 2030
the most in periods of high inflation. All the projects includes equity as a recurrent principle in economic,
proposed under Vision 2030 will, therefore, be social and political programmes. Special attention has
subjected to the parameters set under the macro- been given to investment in arid and semi-arid (ASAL)
economic stability framework, as reviewed on a districts, communities with high incidence of poverty,
continuous basis by the Ministry of Finance and the unemployed youth, women, and all vulnerable groups.
Central Bank of Kenya. Under Vision 2030 “devolved funds”, deployed in a
more efficient and transparent manner, is expected to
3.2 Continuity in Governance play a key and enhanced role in correcting existing
Reforms economic and social inequalities.
Kenya remains fully committed to continuing gover- 3.4 Infrastructure
nance reforms. These will be deepened and accelerated
in order to create a better environment for doing busi- The 2030 Vision aspires for a country firmly intercon-
ness, and for the full enjoyment of individual rights that nected through a network of roads, railways, ports,
Kenyans are entitled to under the constitution. Towards airports, water and sanitation facilities, and telecom-
that end, the Government will continue to intensify the munications. By 2030, it will become impossible to
anti-corruption programme already in place through: refer to any region of our country as “remote”.
VISION 2030 6
11. City of Nairobi in the future: the 2030 Vision
aspires to a capital city firmly interconnected through
a network of roads, railways, ports, airports,
waterways and telecommunications.
12. Furthermore, to ensure that the main projects under the more private generators of power, and separating
economic pillar are implemented, investment in the generation from distribution. New sources of energy
nation’s infrastructure will be given the highest priority. will be found through exploitation of geothermal
power, coal, renewable energy sources, and connect-
3.5 Energy ing Kenya to energy-surplus countries in the region.
Development projects recommended under Vision 3.6 Science, Technology and
2030 will increase demand on Kenya’s energy supply. Innovation (STI)
Currently, Kenya’s energy costs are higher than those
of her competitors. Kenya must, therefore, generate Vision 2030 proposes intensified application of STI to
more energy at a lower cost and increase efficiency in raise productivity and efficiency levels across the three
energy consumption. The Government is committed to pillars. It recognises the critical role played by research
continued institutional reforms in the energy sector, and development (R&D) in accelerating economic
including a strong regulatory framework, encouraging development in all the newly industrialising countries of
Energy: Commercial energy in
Kenya is dominated by petroleum
and electricity as the prime
movers of the modern sector of
the economy, while wood fuel
provides energy needs of the
traditional sector, including rural
communities and the urban poor.
VISION 2030 8
13. the world. The Government will create and implement improving the practice of community policing; reduc-
an STI policy framework to support Vision 2030. More ing the police to population ratio; adopting information
resources will be devoted to scientific research, techni- and communication technology (ICT) in crime detec-
cal capabilities of the workforce, and in raising the tion and prevention; enhancing police training; among
quality of teaching mathematics, science and technol- others. All these measures will be supported by accel-
ogy in schools, polytechnics and universities. erated reforms in the Judiciary. The country will also
institute reforms in the prison service.
3.7 Land Reform
3.10 Public Service
Land is a critical resource for the socio-economic and
political developments spelt out in Vision 2030. An efficient, motivated and well-trained public
Respect for property rights to land, whether owned by service is expected to be one of the major founda-
communities, individuals or companies, is an impor- tions of the Vision. Kenya intends to build a public
tant driver of rapid economic transformation. This service that is more citizen-focused and results-
transformation is dependent on a national land use oriented, a process whose achievements so far
policy, which, therefore, needs to be completed as a have received international recognition and
matter of urgency. The policy will facilitate the process awards. The Government will intensify efforts to
of land administration, the computerisation of land bring about an attitudinal change in public service
registries, the establishment of national spatial data that values transparency and accountability to the
infrastructure in order to track land use patterns, and citizens of Kenya. Results-Based Management will
the introduction of an enhanced legal framework for be pegged to the implementation of the Vision’s
faster resolution of land disputes. goals, making it easier to reward public servants on
merit. Reforms in the public service will further
3.8 Human Resources Development enhance strategic planning in government, contin-
uous improvement, performance contracting and
Kenya intends to create a globally competitive and stakeholder engagement. A Kenya School of
adaptive human resource base to meet the require- Government will be established to provide research
ments of a rapidly industrialising economy. This will and training for transformative leadership to the
be done through life-long training and education. As a highest international standards.
priority, a human resource database will be estab-
lished to facilitate better planning of human resources
requirements in the country. Furthermore, steps will
be taken to raise labour productivity to international
levels. Other steps will include the establishment of
new technical training institutions, as well as the
enhancement of closer collaboration between indus-
try and training institutions.
3.9 Security
The vision for security is “a society free from danger
and fear”. The Government is determined to improve
security in order to lower the cost of doing business
and to provide Kenyans with a more secure living and
working environment. Specific strategies will involve:
9 A GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE AND PROSPEROUS KENYA
14. 4
THE ECONOMIC VISION AND
STRATEGY: ADDING VALUE TO
OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Under Vision 2030, Kenya aims to increase annual GDP 4.1 Tourism
growth rates to an average of 10% over the vision
horizon. This is an ambitious goal and the Government Tourism will be a leading sector in achieving the goals
is aware of that. But it has the confidence that Kenyans of the Vision. Kenya aims to be among the top 10
will rise to the challenge as they have often done long-haul tourist destinations in the world offering a
before. If this goal is achieved, Kenya will be the 5th high-end, diverse, and distinctive visitor experience
country in the world to achieve such a high level of that few of her competitors can offer.
sustained economic growth. Considering that the
current economic growth of 6.1% has come primarily There are three specific goals for 2012:
through rapid utilisation of existing capacity, rather Quadruple tourism’s GDP contribution to more
than efficiency gains or new investments, achieving than KShs. 200 billion;
the 10% growth will require a dedicated campaign to Raise international visitors from 1.6 million in
alleviate existing constraints to future growth, and in 2006 to 3 million in 2012, while raising average
particular to use our resources more efficiently. To spent per visitor from the present KShs.40,000 to
achieve that ambition, Kenya must continue with the at least KShs.70,000; and
tradition of macro-economic stability that has been Increase hotel beds from 40,000 to at least
established since 2002. It must also address other key 65,000, combined with an emphasis on a high
constraints, notably, a low savings to GDP ratio, which quality service.
could be alleviated by drawing in more remittances
from Kenyans abroad, as well as increased foreign The specific strategies for realising the goals will
investment and overseas development assistance involve: an aggressive strategy to develop Kenya’s
(ODA), as spelt out under the Kenya Joint-Assistance coast (north and south) by developing resort cities in
Strategy between the country and her international two key locations in addition to the Isiolo resort cities;
development partners. achieving higher tourism revenue yield by increasing
the country’s premium safari parks and improving
Delivering the country’s ambitious growth aspirations facilities in all under-utilised parks; creating new high
will require a rise of national savings from the current value niche products (e.g. cultural, eco-sports and
17% in 2006 to about 30% in 2012. It will also be water-based tourism); revamping business-visitor
necessary to deal with a significant informal economy offering by attracting high-end international hotel
employing 75% of the country’s workers. The informal chains; and by investing in new conference facilities.
sector must be supported in ways that will raise
productivity and distribution and increase jobs, Flagship Projects for Tourism
owner’s incomes and public revenues. The country
will continue with the governance and institutional The flagship projects for 2012 will involve the following:
reforms necessary to accelerate economic growth. Three (3) resort cities – two new resorts cities at
Others critical problems that will be addressed include the coast (one in north and the other at south
poor infrastructure and high energy costs. coast). The third one will be located in Isiolo.
Better marketing of little-visited parks so as to
The six key sectors described below have been given bring more tourists to game parks that have not
priority in acting as key growth drivers in the journey been receiving many visitors, and which are
to 2030. located in all parts of the country.
VISION 2030 10
15. The Mara wildebeest migration.
A world wonder that represents
great potential for Kenya’s tourism.
11
16. Horticulture: Horticultural exports have relied heavily on a few
key markets. There is a need for proactive efforts to maintain
existing markets while creating new ones and increasing Kenya’s
bargaining power in global agricultural markets.
17. The premium parks initiative – this will provide potential lands by her farmers; preparation of new
more high-end tourists with a unique experience land for cultivation by strategically developing more
in popular destinations, such as Maasai Mara and irrigable areas in arid and semi-arid lands for both
Nakuru. crops and livestock; and by improving market access
The under-utilised parks initiative – this aims to for small holders through better marketing.
upgrade the standards of attractive but seldom
visited parks e.g. Ruma and Marsabit. Flagship Projects for the Agricultural and
The niche products initiative – this will provide Livestock Sector
3,000 beds in high-cost accommodation for
tourists interested in cultural and eco-tourism, as The flagship projects for 2012 will involve:
well as in water-based sports and related activi- Preparation and passage of consolidated agricul-
ties. It will initially target four key sites in Western tural policy reform legislation.
Kenya. Development and the implementation of a 3-
The certification of 1,000 home-stay sites to pro- tiered fertilizer cost reduction programme.
mote cultural tourism in Kenyan homes. Improving the value gained in the production
The business visitors’ initiative – this will attract and supply chain through branding Kenyan
five additional international hotels to Nairobi, farm products.
Mombasa and Kisumu, and also leverage Isiolo as The planning and implementation of 4-5 Disease
a new high-end tourist destination. Free Zones and livestock processing facilities to
enable Kenyan meat, hides and skins to meet
4.2 Increasing Value in international marketing standards. There will be
more domestic processing of these products for
Agriculture
regional and international markets.
The creation of publicly accessible land registries,
Kenya will raise incomes in agriculture, livestock and
under an improved governance framework.
fisheries even as industrial production and the service
Development of an Agriculture Land Use
sector expand. This will be done by processing and
Master Plan.
thereby adding value to her products before they
Tana River Basin Agricultural Development
reach the market. She will do so in a manner that
Scheme.
enables her producers to compete with the best in
other parts of the world. This will be accomplished
through an innovative, commercially oriented and 4.3 A Better and More Inclusive
modern agriculture, livestock and fisheries sector. Wholesale and Retail Trade
These interventions are expected to generate an addi- Sector
tional KSh.80-90 billion increase in GDP, mainly
through better yields in key crops, increased small- The 2030 vision for wholesale and retail trade is to
holder specialisation in the cash crop sector (2-3 move towards greater efficiency in the country’s
crops per plot), utilisation of a million hectares of marketing system by lowering transaction costs
currently uncultivated land, and new cultivation of up through institutional reforms. This involves strength-
to 1.2 million hectares of newly-opened lands. ening informal trade (through investment in infra-
Specific strategies will involve the following: (i) trans- structure, training and linking it to wider local and
forming key institutions in agriculture and livestock to global markets). This will raise the market share of
promote household and private sector agricultural products sold through formal channels (e.g. super-
growth; and (ii) increasing productivity of crops and markets) from the current 5% to 30% by 2012. This
livestock. Kenya will also introduce new land use poli- will also contribute an additional KShs.50billion to the
cies through: better utilisation of high and medium GDP. The plan is to attract at least three new retailers
13 A GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE AND PROSPEROUS KENYA
18. with more than 10 stores each into the Kenyan from 7% to 15%. Kenya also intends to attract at least
market. The vision also plans to enumerate informal 10 large strategic investors in key agro-processing
sector operators, to provide them with permanent and industries, targeting local and international markets.
serviced facilities, training and access to credit and
markets. The simplification of business registration Specific strategies will involve restructuring key
and trade licensing will continue in order to create a local industries that use local raw materials but lack
more enabling business environment for all trading a competitive edge (for instance in sugar and paper
activity. At producer level, the plan aims to establish manufacturing) and exploiting opportunities in
“Producer Business Groups” (PBGs), which will in turn adding value to imports that could then be re-
feed large wholesale hubs principally in rural areas. exported in order to capture the “last step” of value
These hubs will be “Tier 1” retail markets that will addition (e.g. in metals and plastics). Kenya also
provide the primary producer with better value than at aims to strategically increase the level of value addi-
present where markets are heavily fragmented. The tion in niche exports by additional processing of local
Government will continue to strengthen the producer agriculture products.
co-operative movement and assist in branding and
marketing Kenyan products in regional and interna- Flagship Projects for Manufacturing
tional markets.
The flagship projects for 2008 - 2012 are:
Flagship Projects for Wholesale and Retail The development of a strategy for the establish-
ment of at least 2 special “economic clusters”,
The flagship projects for 2012 are: that is, related industries located together to gain
Creation of at least 10 wholesale hubs and from economies.
1,000–1,500 Producer Business Groups (starting The development and creation of at least 5 Small
with a pilot project in Maragua, Central Province, and Medium Enterprise (SME) Industrial Parks.
that is to be extended to other regions).
Building of at least 10 ‘Tier 1’ retail markets (start- 4.5 Business Process Offshoring
ing with a pilot project in Athi River). (BPO)
The building of one free trade port at the coast in
order to “bring Dubai to Kenya”. This port will This is a new but promising sector for Kenya and
serve eastern and central Africa. especially for its young people. It involves providing
business services via the Internet to companies and
4.4 Manufacturing for the organisations in the developed world e.g. Britain,
Regional Market USA, Canada, etc. The 2030 vision for business
process outsourcing is for Kenya to “quickly
Kenya aims to become the provider of choice for basic become the top BPO destination in Africa”. The goal
manufactured goods in eastern and central Africa, for 2012 is to create at least 7,500 direct BPO jobs
before breaking into other markets by targeting with an additional GDP contribution of KShs.10
“niche” products e.g. organic foods and beverages). billion. This will be done by attracting at least 5
This will be done through improved efficiency and major leading IT suppliers, at least 10 large multina-
competitiveness at firm level. The state will invest in tional corporation companies and global BPO play-
training, research and development. The goal for 2012 ers to Kenya. This will create an estimated addi-
is to: generate an additional KShs.30 billion to GDP by tional 5,000 jobs. At least 5 large local players will
producing consumer goods that compete with imports be identified to become local champions through
(without resorting to restrictions) in key local indus- stand-alone operations or joint ventures. Kenya will
tries; and raising market share in the regional market therefore attract top international IT suppliers to
VISION 2030 14
19. create confidence in more investments, thereby One of the most urgent steps towards creating a
attracting leading multinational corporations and competitive financial environment in Kenya is intro-
foreign companies with top BPO brands. ducing legal and institutional reforms that will
enhance transparency in all transactions, build trust
The Flagship BPO Project and make enforcement of justice more efficient. The
other step is the creation of a critical mass of skills in
The flagship BPO project for 2012 is to design and financial management. The Government is already in
establish one major BPO park in Nairobi (possibly in the process of implementing these measures.
Athi River) that will have world class infrastructure
developed by top international IT suppliers. Kenya The flagship projects for 2012 are:
will offer competitive incentive packages for compa- Facilitate the transformation of the banking sec-
nies to locate in the park, provide a-one-stop shop for tor to bring in fewer stronger, larger scale banks.
administration and talent and serve as a “show- Develop and execute a comprehensive model for
case’”park to attract more top foreign IT companies. pension reform.
Pursue a comprehensive remittances strategy.
4.6 Financial Services Formulate a policy for the issuing of benchmark
sovereign bonds.
The 2030 vision for financial services to create a Implement legal and institutional reforms
vibrant and globally competitive financial sector in required for a regional financial centre.
Kenya that will create jobs and also promote high-
levels of savings to finance Kenya’s overall invest-
ment needs. As part of Kenya’s macro-economic
goals, savings rates will rise from 17% to 30% of
GDP in about a decade. This will be achieved through
measures that include increasing of bank deposits
from 44% to 80% of GDP and by a declining cost of
borrowed capital i.e. interest rates. The country will
also decrease the share of population without
access to finance from 85% to below 70% at pres-
ent, and increase stock market capitalisation from
50% to 90% of GDP. Savings of up to 10% of GDP for
investment are expected to be realised from remit-
tances, foreign direct investments (FDI), overseas
development assistance (ODA) and sovereign bonds.
Reforms in the banking sector will be undertaken to
facilitate the transformation of the large number of
small banks in Kenya to few larger and stronger
ones. Credit referencing will be introduced. Kenya
will also streamline informal finance and Savings
and Credit Co-operative Organisations (SACCOs), as
well as micro-finance institutions. Financial markets
will be deepened by raising institutional capital
through pension fund reforms and expanding bond
and equity markets, as well as tapping international
sources of capital.
15 A GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE AND PROSPEROUS KENYA
20. 5 THE SOCIAL STRATEGY: INVESTING
IN THE PEOPLE OF KENYA
Kenya’s journey towards prosperity also involves the building of a just and cohesive society that enjoys
equitable social development in a clean and secure environment. This quest is the basis of transformation
of our society in seven key social sectors: Education and Training; Health; Water and Sanitation; the
Environment; Housing and Urbanisation; as well as in Gender, Youth, Sports and Culture, as well as Equity
and Poverty Eradication. It also makes special provisions for Kenyans with various disabilities and
previously marginalised communities. These policies (and those in the economic pillar) will be equally
anchored on an all-round adoption of science, technology and innovation (STI) as an implementation tool.
5.1 Education and Training aims to be a regional centre of research and develop-
ment in new technologies.
Under education and training, Kenya will provide glob-
ally competitive quality education, training and Flagship Projects for Education and Training
research to her citizens for development and
enhanced individual well-being. The overall goal for The flagship education and training projects for 2012
2012 is to reduce illiteracy by increasing access to are to:
education, improving the transition rate from primary Build and fully equip 560 new secondary schools
to secondary schools, and raising the quality and rele- to accommodate the increasing number of stu-
vance of education. Other goals include the integra- dents graduating from primary schools;
tion of all special needs education into learning and Establish a teachers’ recruitment programme to
training institutions, achieving an 80% adult literacy employ 28,000 more teachers to improve the
rate, increasing the school enrolment rate to 95% and quality of education and to ensure that all schools
increasing the transition rates to technical institutions have adequate teachers;
and universities from 3% to 8% by 2012. Public and Establish a computer supply programme that will
private universities will be encouraged to expand equip students with modern IT skills;
enrolment, with an emphasis on science and technol- Build at least one boarding primary school in each
ogy courses. Kenya intends to have international constituency in the pastoral districts to ensure
ranking for her children’s achievement in maths, that learning is not disrupted as people move from
science and technology. one place to the other;
Roll out the voucher system programme in 5 poor
The specific strategies will involve; (i) integrating early districts; and
childhood into primary education; (ii) reforming Create “Centres of Specialisation” for each of
secondary curricula: (iii) modernising teacher training; Vision 2030’s economic growth sectors.
and (iv) strengthening partnerships with the private
sector. Kenya will also develop key programmes for 5.2 The Health Sector
learners with special needs, rejuvenate ongoing adult
training programmes, and revise the curricula of To improve the overall livelihoods of Kenyans, the
university and technical institutes by including more country aims to provide an efficient and high quality
science and technology subjects. In partnership with health care system with the best standards. This will
the private sector, the Government will also increase be done through a two-pronged approach: (i) devolu-
funding to enable all these institutions to support tion of funds and management of health care to the
activities envisaged under the economic pillar. Kenya communities and district medical officers; leaving the
VISION 2030 16
21. Education: The vision for the education
sector for 2030 is “to have globally
competitive quality education, training and
research for sustainable development”.
22. Ministry to deal with policy and research issues; and ent. The country, therefore, aims to conserve water
(ii) shifting the bias of the national health bill from sources and start new ways of harvesting and using
curative to preventive care. Special attention will be rain and underground water. The 2030 vision for water
paid to lowering the incidence of HIV/AIDS, malaria and sanitation is to ensure that improved water and
and TB, and lowering infant and mortality ratios. All sanitation are available and accessible to all. The goal
this will reduce equalities in access to health care and for 2012 is to increase both access to safe water and
improve key areas where Kenya is lagging, especially sanitation in both rural and urban areas beyond pres-
in lowering infant and maternal mortality. Specific ent levels. To promote agricultural productivity, the
strategies will involve: provision of a robust health area under irrigation and drainage will increase from
infrastructure network; and improving the quality of 140,000 to 300,000 hectares. Specific strategies will
health service delivery to the highest standards and be introduced to raise the standards of the country’s
promotion of partnerships with the private sector. In overall water, resource management, storage and
addition, the Government will provide access to those harvesting capability. Kenya will rehabilitate her
excluded from health care due to financial reasons. hydro-meteorological data gathering network,
Through encouragement to the private sector, Kenya construct multipurpose dams (on Nzoia and Nyando
intends to become the regional provider of choice for Rivers and other smaller dams), and also construct
highly-specialised health care, thus opening Kenya to water and sanitation facilities to support industries
“health tourism” as an income-generating activity. and a growing urban population.
The health sector’s flagship projects for 2012 Flagship Projects for Water and Sanitation
are to:
Revitalise Community Health Centres to promote The flagship projects for 2012 are to:
preventive health care (as opposed to curative Rehabilitate the hydro-metrological network and
intervention) and by promoting healthy of individ- rehabilitate 600 stations;
ual lifestyles; Construct 2 multi-purpose dams with storage
De-link the Ministry of Health from service deliv- capacity of 2.4 billion m3 along rivers Nzoia and
ery in order to improve management of the coun- Nyando;
try’s health institutions primarily by devolution of Construct 22 medium-sized multi-purpose dams
health management to communities and health- with a total capacity of 2 billion m3 to supply
care experts at district, provincial and national water for domestic, livestock and irrigation use in
hospitals; the arid and semi-arid areas;
Create a National Health Insurance Scheme in Construct a 54 km canal from Tana River to
order to promote equity in Kenya’s health care Garissa (The Rahole Canal);
financing; Rehabilitate and expand the Mzima pipeline which
Scale up the output-based approach system to will supply water in all the coastal towns in sup-
enable disadvantaged groups (e.g. the poor, port of tourism;
orphans) to access health care from preferred Rehabilitate and expand urban water supply and
institutions. sanitation in the key satellite towns identified
under the economic pillar.
5.3 Water and Sanitation Construct the Tana Delta Project and;
Rehabilitate and expand the major irrigation
Kenya is a water scarce country. The economic and schemes (Bura, Hola, Kano Plains, Nzoia, Perkera,
social developments anticipated by Vision 2030 will Kerio Valley, Mwea, Taita Taveta, Ewaso Nyiro
require more high quality water supplies than at pres- North and Ngurumani).
VISION 2030 18
23. 5.4 The Environment 5.5 Housing and Urbanisation
Kenya aims to be a nation that has a clean, secure Given the current demographic trends, Kenya will
and sustainable environment by 2030. The goals for be a predominantly urban country by 2030.
2012 are: (i) to increase forest cover from less than Following the current population trends, more than
3% at present to 4%; and (ii) to lessen by half all half of our nation’s population is likely to be resid-
environment-related diseases. Specific strategies ing in urban areas at that time. This need not imply
will involve promoting environmental conservation in that agriculture will matter less or that the quality
order to provide better support to the economic pillar of life will be lower. But Kenya will need to plan for
flagship projects and for the purposes of achieving decent and high quality urban livelihoods for her
the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); improv- population. The 2020 vision for housing and urban-
ing pollution and waste management through the isation is “an adequately and decently housed
design and application of economic incentives; and nation in a sustainable environment”. The
the commissioning of public-private partnerships medium-term goal for 2012 is to increase the
(PPPs) for improved efficiency in water and sanita- annual production of housing units from the
tion delivery. Kenya will also enhance disaster current 35,000 annually to over 200,000. In addi-
preparedness in all disaster-prone areas and tion, an initiative for high quality urban planning
improve the capacity for adaptation to global will be undertaken. Kenya’s cities and towns are
climatic change. In addition, the country will now poorly planned and that must change. There is
harmonise environment-related laws for better envi- an acute need, therefore, for an effective capacity
ronmental planning and governance. for regional and urban development planning start-
ing with adequate housing for those now living in
Flagship Projects for the Environment slums. In addition, there will be better develop-
ment of and access to affordable and adequate
The flagship environment projects for 2012 are: housing for the rest of the population, enhanced
The Water Catchment Management Initiative: – access to adequate finance for developers and
This calls for rehabilitating of the 5 water towers buyers, and targeted key reforms to unlock the
(i.e. Mau Escarpment, Mt. Kenya, Aberdares potential of the housing sector through private-
Range, Cherangani Hills and Mt. Elgon); public partnerships. Kenya’s new nationwide urban
Securing the Wildlife Corridors and Migratory planning and development campaign will start with
Routes Initiative: – Kenya will conserve wildlife her major cities and towns. But rural settlements
corridors and migratory routes; will be catered for as well. This calls for a rapid
The Solid Waste Management System Initiative: – build-up of her urban planning an implementation
This calls for relocation of the Dandora dump site, capacity, and this is part of the commitments
and development of solid waste management sys- under Vision 2030.
tems in 5 leading municipalities and in the eco-
nomic zones planned under Vision 2030; Flagship Projects for Housing and Urbanisation
The Plastic Bags Initiative: – will require tighten-
ing regulations in order to limit production and The flagship projects for 2012 include the following:
usage of environmentally-detrimental plastic The Metropolitan and Investment Plans
bags; and Initiative: This will require preparation of metro-
The Land Cover and Land Use Mapping Initiative: politan investment plans for eleven (11) regions
– comprehensively mapping land use patterns (Nairobi and its environs), Mombasa, Kisumu-
in Kenya. Kakamega; Nakuru, Eldoret, Wajir, Garissa,
19 A GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE AND PROSPEROUS KENYA
24. City and Local Governments:
Will aspire to be well managed and
accountable metropolitan cities.
VISION 2030 20
25. Mandera, Kitui, Mwingi and Meru). Strategic Flagship projects for Gender, Youth and Vulnerable
development and investment plans for special groups
and border towns and for all other municipal
councils will also be undertaken. The flagship projects for 2012 are to:
The Housing Development Initiative: This calls for Institutionalize the Women Enterprise Fund and
an increase in annual productivity of adequate increase its overall amounts and efficiency in proj-
housing with an emphasis on equity in access, ects launched by its beneficiaries;
beginning with low-income housing. Establish a consolidated social protection fund;
The Mortgage Financing Initiative – establishing a Rehabilitate or build one youth empowerment
secondary mortgage finance corporation as well centre in each constituency;
as a national housing fund while also introducing Establish a sports’ lottery fund and an interna-
housing and infrastructure bonds; and tional academy of sports;
Enactment of the Housing Bill, 2006 Build a national cultural centre to the highest stan-
dards in order to support the performing arts; and
5.6 Gender, Youth and Vulnerable Increase the youth enterprise fund and ensure
efficient and productive use of funds allocated to
Groups youth groups.
The 2030 vision for gender, youth and vulnerable
groups is equity in power and resource distribution 5.7 Equity and Poverty
between the sexes, improved livelihoods for all Elimination
vulnerable groups, and responsible, globally
competitive and prosperous youth. In addition, The 2030 goal for equity and poverty elimination is to
Kenya aims to capitalise on her international repu- reduce the number of people living in absolute poverty
tation as an “athletic superpower” by opening up to the tiniest proportion of the total population. Kenya
the country for top global sports events, encour- will aim at a society that guarantees equality of oppor-
aged by corporate sponsorship. The Government tunity in accessing public services and providing
will provide stricter enforcement of copyright laws income-generating activities as widely as possible.
in music and the performance arts, and provide That will be achieved by placing the citizens at a level
facilities for our most talented musicians and of income sufficient to cater for basic requirements of
actors. Kenya aims to be among the top developing a healthy, productive life. Some correctional measures
country destinations of global film producers. The will be introduced in order to extend such opportunities
goals for 2012 are, therefore, to increase opportu- to regions and communities where they do not exist
nities all-round among women, youth and all disad- currently. Foremost amongst such measures will be an
vantaged groups. Specific strategies will involve increase in the volumes of specific “devolved funds”
increasing the participation of women in all allocated to local communities. Another initiative aims
economic, social and political decision-making to expand access across different social and political
processes (e.g. starting with higher representation dimensions, including: increasing school enrolment for
of women in Parliament); improving access to all girls and children from nomadic communities and poor
disadvantaged groups (e.g. business opportunities, rural and slum communities; widening coverage of
health and education services, housing and “essential health care”; equitable distribution of water,
justice); and minimising vulnerabilities through sewerage and sanitation services; improvements in
prohibition of retrogressive practices (e.g. female public transport; and attaining gender parity and fair-
genital mutilation and child labour), and by up-scal- ness in the delivery of justice. Reducing social inequal-
ing the training for people with disabilities and ities, in short, cuts across all the economic and social
special needs. initiatives proposed by Vision 2030.
21 A GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE AND PROSPEROUS KENYA
26. 6 THE POLITICAL PILLAR: MOVING
TO THE FUTURE AS ONE NATION
The political pillar envisions a country with a demo-
cratic system reflecting the aspirations and expecta-
tions of its people. Kenya will be a state in which
Guiding principles
Vision 2030 has received support across party
equality is entrenched, irrespective of one’s race, lines and regions of the country. In order to ensure
ethnicity, religion, gender or socio-economic status; a that economic, social and political governance
nation that not only respects but also harnesses the gains made under the Vision are neither reversed
diversity of its peoples’ values, traditions and aspira- nor lost as a result of change in ruling parties, the
tions for the benefit of all. following eight governance principles shall be
adhered to:
The political pillar vision for 2030 is “a democratic
political system that is issue-based, people-centered, 1. Constitutional supremacy: Supremacy of the
result-oriented and accountable to the public”. An constitution shall be respected at all times. This
issue-based system is one in which political differ- will guarantee individual rights as stated in the
ences are about means to meet the widest public Bill of Rights and the property rights of local
interest. “People-centered” goals refer to the system’s and international investors.
responsiveness to the needs and rights of citizens,
whose participation in all public policies and resource 2. Sovereignty of the people: This calls for the
allocation processes is both fully appreciated and facil- acknowledgement of the fact that in a constitu-
itated. A result-oriented system is stable, predictable tional democracy like Kenya, the government
and whose performance is based on measurable derives all its just powers from the people
outcomes. An accountable system is one that is open it governs.
and transparent and one that permits free flow of
information. It should be a system in which the leaders 3. Equality of citizens: Kenya shall be a nation that
are accountable to citizens. Such a vision will guaran- treats its women and men equally. It will not
tee Kenya’s attainment of the specific goals outlined discriminate any citizen on the basis of gender,
under Vision 2030’s economic and social pillars. race, tribe, religion or ancestral origin.
To meet objectives outlined in the economic and 4. National values, goals and ideology: In the
social pillars, Kenya’s national governance system will pursuit of economic, social and political aspira-
be transformed and reformed to acquire high-level tions, Kenyans shall formulate and adopt a core
executive capability consistent with a rapidly industri- set of national values, goals and a political ideol-
alising country. The most important of the reforms is ogy supportive of Vision 2030 These will include
prioritisation for enactment of all legislation and acknowledgement of the significance of God to
administrative reforms suggested in Vision 2030. the Kenyan people and an affirmation of the reli-
Kenya will adopt a democratic decentralisation gious, cultural and ethnic diversity of Kenyans. It
process with substantial devolution in policy-making, will also affirm the indivisibility of Kenya as a
public resource management and revenue sharing nation and her commitment to democracy and
through devolved funds. the rule of law.
VISION 2030 22
27. 5. A viable political party system: Kenya aims at a 8. Decentralisation: Vision 2030 will continue to use
strong and viable political party system that will devolved funds to strengthen decentralisation of
be guided by policy and ideological differences development projects at the community level.
rather than region of ethnicity. Under Vision Improved planning, prioritisation, and coordina-
2030, founding of political parties on religious, tion of such projects at the local level will be
linguistic, racial, ethnic, gender, corporate or accorded priority in realising that goal.
regional basis will be prohibited. This is in line
with the just enacted Political Parties Bill. All Political pillar strategies
political parties will be obliged to subscribe to a
legally-binding Code of Conduct. There will be a Transformation within Kenya’s political governance
clear definition of circumstances under which a system under Vision 2030 will take place across six
party may be de-registered or reinstated. The strategic initiatives, whose overarching visions, goals
delegation of state functions to (or the use of and specific strategies for 2012 are outlined below:
state resources by) political parties will not be
permitted. Political parties will be required to 6.1 Rule of Law
publish their manifestos before participating in
elections. The 2030 vision aims at “adherence to the rule of
law applicable to a modern, market-based econ-
6. Public participation in governance: The Kenyan omy in a human rights-respecting state”. The
political system is now more open than it has intermediate goal for 2012 is to enact and imple-
been in the past. In order to ensure fuller public ment the policy, legal and institutional framework
participation in the governance process, that vital for promoting and sustaining fair, affordable
support democratic governance. The citizens of and equitable access to justice. Specific strategies
Kenya will be made to appreciate the values of will involve:
tolerance and respect for differences in opinion, in Aligning the national policy and legal framework
a competitive society of the kind Vision 2030 has with the needs of a market-based economy and
in mind. national human rights and gender equity com-
mitments;
7. Separation of powers: The implementation of Increasing service availability and access to jus-
Vision 2030 will depend on the enhancement of tice;
the capacity of the three arms of government Streamlining the functional capacity of the legal
(Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary). and judicial institutions to enhance inter-agency
Already considerable progress has been made cooperation;
through reforms in the Executive and the Change legislation that is clearly not conducive
Judiciary. Parliament’s independence has been to the creation of a good business environment
enhanced. These institutions will independently in Kenya; and
function in a manner that will enhance the imple- Inculcating a culture of compliance with laws
mentation of Vision 2030. and decent human behaviour.
23 A GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE AND PROSPEROUS KENYA
28. Parliament of Kenya: The 2030 Vision aims at
institutionalising genuinely competitive and
issue-based politics as well as a people-
centered and politically-engaged open society
6.2 Electoral and Political Strengthening laws on non-discrimination to
Processes promote inclusion of women and disadvantaged
groups in electoral and political processes; and
The 2030 vision aims at institutionalising “genuinely Enriching the quality of Parliamentary debate by
competitive and issue-based politics”. The goal for increasing access by MPs to policy-relevant
2012 is to enact and operationalise the necessary information, including documents.
policy, legal and institutional framework to support
issue-based political processes. Specific strategies 6.3 Democracy And Public
will involve: Service Delivery
Introducing laws and regulations covering
political parties; The 2030 vision aims at “a people-centered and
Enhancing the legal and regulatory framework politically-engaged open society”. The goal for 2012
covering the electoral process; is to enact and operationalise necessary reforms in
Conducting civic education programmes to widen the policy, legal and institutional framework in order to
knowledge and participation among citizens, enhance public service delivery in an open and
leading to an informed and active citizenry; accountable manner, as is expected of a democracy.
VISION 2030 24
29. Specific strategies will involve: which will advance that ideal. Specific strategies
Pursuing constitutional and legal reforms neces- will involve:
sary to strengthen public service delivery in a Promoting public-private cooperation and com-
manner that responds to public needs, especially munity involvement in ensuring improved safety
at the community level. and security;
Encouraging formal and informal civic education Deepening the policy, legal and institutional
and action programmes; and reform for improved enforcement of law
Promoting open engagement between govern- and order;
ment and civil society, as well as the free flow of Institutionalising national and inter-community
information, particularly through better and con- dialogue in order to build harmony among ethnic,
tinuous engagement with the media. racial and other interest groups;
Promoting peace building and reconciliation in
6.4 Transparency and order to improve conflict management and ensure
Accountability sustained peace within the country; and
Inculcating a culture of respect for the sanctity of
More transparency and accountability were identified human life that restrains people from the use of
by Kenyans as priorities in the political initiatives of violence as an instrument of resolving personal
Vision 2030. The 2030 vision, therefore, aims to and community disputes. This should start with
create “transparent, accountable, ethical and results- the family, schools, the church and all
oriented government institutions”. The goal for 2012 public institutions.
is to enact and put into operation all the necessary
Political pillar flagship projects
policy, legal and institutional reforms needed to
strengthen public transparency and accountability.
The flagship projects for 2012 for the political pillar
Specific strategies will involve:
are:
Strengthening the legal framework for anti-
corruption ethics and integrity; The Constitutional initiative – completion of the
national Constitution together with its enabling
Promoting results-based management within the
public service; legislation;
The Judicial and legal reforms initiative – this will
Encouraging public access to information
involve reforms pertaining to the rule of law, as
and data;
Introducing civilian oversight around the key legal, well as reforms in government institutions in the
justice and security institutions; and three branches of the Government.
Strengthening Parliament’s legislative oversight The Security and policing reform initiative;
capacity. Building a non-partisan professional research
centre to enrich Parliamentary law-making; and
Initiate a national programme on attitudinal and
6.5 Security, Peace-Building and value change to inculcate a culture of voluntary
Conflict Management compliance with the efficiency norms required by
Vision 2030.
Vision 2030 has as its ideal “security of all
persons and property throughout the Republic”.
By 2012 it commits the country to the adoption of
policy, legal and institutional framework in secu-
rity, peace building and conflict management,
25 A GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE AND PROSPEROUS KENYA
30. 7 IMPLEMENTING VISION 2030
The strategies to deliver the 10% annual growth by
2012 will be executed through concrete flagship proj-
ects across the priority sectors in all the three pillars
budgeting (from low and dispersed to high and “ring-
fenced” investments), as well as management of top
talent (from shortage of skills to a war for talent). To
of the Vision. The projects are original large-scale this end, a Semi Autonomous Government Agency
initiatives that look beyond their immediate locality (SAGA) with the requisite capacity is being established
and are capable of having an impact on the entire to oversee the implementation of all Vision 2030 proj-
nation. Flagship projects, however, will form only part ects. In doing so, the agency will work in close collab-
of national development. Complementary projects will oration with government ministries and departments
also be undertaken in line with the Medium-Term as well as the private sector, civil society and other
Plans, the Budget Outlook Paper, and the Medium- relevant stakeholder groups.
Term Expenditure Framework.
The Vision Delivery Secretariat
Kenya Vision 2030 is a long-term process that
requires dedication and focus beyond the initial five- In order to successfully realise Vision 2030 and to
year period. During the life of the Vision, strategies particularly ensure the timely implementation of the
and action plans will be systematically reviewed and flagship projects, the Government of Kenya intends to
adjusted every 5 years in order to effectively respond create a Vision Delivery Secretariat (VDS). The
to the changing global, regional and local environ- Secretariat will be managed by a Director-General of
ment. Thus, Vision 2030 will be delivered over many the Vision 2030 Office, under the overall guidance of
different horizons, each with defined goals and flag- the Vision 2030 Delivery Board, which shall play a
ship projects. Following the expiry of the ERS in policy-making and advisory role. The VDS shall be
December 2007, the first part of Vision 2030 will be organised into eight departments. The Departments
implemented under the 2008-2012 plan. This is will correspond to the main project clusters or sectors
already under preparation. of the Vision covering the three pillars.
Delivering this ambitious process of national transfor- Among other things, the VDS shall provide strategic
mation will require: a fundamental shift from busi- leadership and direction in the realisation of Vision
ness-as-usual to “business unusual” (from multiple 2030 goals, and closely collaborate with line
and often uncoordinated levels of decision making to ministries in developing the Five-Year Medium-Term
a centralised implementation process); a new Plans for the realisation of the Vision. The VDS will also
management philosophy (from a limited sense of have clear institutional linkages with other existing
urgency to relentless follow up); legislation (from institutions, structures and organisations, both in the
slow, reactive to fast, proactive legislating); special public as well as the private sector.
VISION 2030 26
31. Wealth of Nature: Kenya’s Lake Nakuru
flamingoes also symbolises our national
determination to “fly into the future”.
32. Contact Information
All enquiries relating to Kenya Vision 2030 should be directed to:
The National Economic and Social Council of Kenya (NESC) The Permanent Secretary
Office of the President, P. O. Box, 62345, 00200, Nairobi, Kenya Ministry of Planning and National Development
Telephone: +254 020-310431 Ext: 22037 Treasury Building, P. O. Box 30005,00200, Nairobi, Kenya
Email: vision2030@kenya.go.ke OR Tel: +254-020-252299 Ext. 101/192
Website: www.nesc.go.ke e-mail: psplanning@treasury.go.ke
Physical Location: 4th Floor, Kenyatta International website: www.planning.go.ke
Conference Centre (KICC), Harambee Avenue, Nairobi
